Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren is a carpenter, public servant, and father who has spent his life building—first with his hands, and now through public service focused on the long-term needs of Navajo communities. Raised on the Navajo Nation, Nygren worked a wide range of jobs from a young age, developing a strong work ethic shaped by family, community, and the realities of life across Dinétah.

Before taking office, Nygren built a career in construction and project management, helping deliver schools, senior housing, and public safety facilities across the country. He later returned home to serve as Chief Commercial Officer for the Navajo Engineering and Construction Authority (NECA), where he worked with tribal enterprise teams to expand the Nation’s capacity to manage and deliver large-scale infrastructure projects.

Elected as the 10th President of the Navajo Nation in November 2022 and sworn in on January 10, 2023, President Nygren entered office with a clear focus: securing the basic foundations for every home—water, electricity, reliable roads, and strong government systems. These essentials, he believes, are critical to reducing poverty and improving quality of life across the Navajo Nation.

His administration has prioritized long-term, structural progress in protecting Navajo water security, expanding infrastructure and broadband connectivity, strengthening governance and sovereignty, and improving the effectiveness of government services for the Navajo people.

Long-Term Priorities and Accomplishments

Water Security and Rights
Advancing major water-rights settlement efforts and strengthening the Navajo Nation’s role in Colorado River discussions to protect access to clean water for future generations.

Infrastructure and Basic Services
Supporting significant investments in water, utilities, and transportation infrastructure while improving coordination to deliver projects in historically underserved communities.

Environmental Protection and Land Stewardship
Promoting long-term solutions to environmental challenges, including efforts addressing illegal dumping and land remediation, while elevating responsible land stewardship and livestock management.

Navajo Sovereignty and Intergovernmental Leadership
Defending the Nation’s authority through government-to-government engagement and strengthening the Navajo Nation’s voice in major regional decisions.

Economic Foundations and Opportunity
Expanding economic opportunity by supporting entrepreneurship and advancing business site leases that help Navajo-owned businesses grow and succeed.

Connectivity and Modernization
Advancing broadband expansion to connect homes and communities, supporting education, telehealth, and economic development across Navajo chapters.

President Nygren is married to Jasmine Blackwater Nygren, and together they have two daughters.

Education

President Nygren graduated from Red Mesa High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management and a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University, as well as a Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California.